Originally an Atlanta native, Sharon Jones Pryse attended the University of Tennessee and has never considered leaving Knoxville. After graduating with a Finance degree, she began as a clerk in the Trust Department of Valley Fidelity Bank. While still in her twenties, she became the bank’s youngest Senior Vice President; then at age thirty-five, founded The Trust Company. Sharon has surrounded herself with highly qualified people who genuinely wanted to help build an independent firm that provides objective advice personalized for each individual situation. The business has grown over the last 30 years to provide wealth management, retirement plans and personal trust services through their three East Tennessee offices in Knoxville, Johnson City and Chattanooga.
Sharon’s long-standing community commitment includes social service, the arts, economic development and education. She has served as board chair for the Knoxville Chamber, Leadership Knoxville, YMCA, United Way and has also chaired United Way’s annual fundraising campaign. Sharon supports the university that made Knoxville her home, and currently holds a position on the University of Tennessee Board of Trustees and Board of Directors for the U.T. Foundation. Personally, she is an avid traveler, yet always happily heads home to the Tennessee River.
Current Positions
- University of Tennessee Foundation Board of Directors
- University of Tennessee, Investment Committee
- University of Tennessee, Board of Trustees
- Nature Conservancy of Tennessee, Board of Trustees
- Knoxville Symphony Orchestra, Board of Directors
- St. John’s Episcopal Cathedral, Board Treasurer
- YMCA of East Tennessee, Board of Directors
- Friends of the Smokies, Board of Directors
Previous Positions
- Knoxville Zoo Board of Directors, Treasurer
- United Way of Greater Knoxville Board, Past Chair
- University of Tennessee Development Council
- Second Harvest, Board of Directors 2010-2013
- YMCA of East Tennessee Chair 2012-2013
- Leadership Knoxville, Board of Directors, Chair 2012-2013
- University of Tennessee Foundation Board, Chair of Audit Committee 2003-2010
- Mercy Health Partners, Inc. Foundation, Board Chair 2004-2009
- Legacy Parks Foundation of Tennessee, Board 2007-2008
- Maryville College Board of Directors (2006-2008)
- Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont Board of Directors (2005-2007)
- Knoxville Utilities Board Commissioner (1991-2005)
- Development Corporation of Knox County Board of Directors (1991-2004)
- Knoxville Area Chamber Partnership Chair (1999-2001)
- Webb School of Knoxville Treasurer/Executive Committee (1995-2000)
- Knoxville Museum of Art Executive Committee (1992-1995)
- Knoxville Estate Planning Council President (1991-1992)
- Tennessee Valley Employee Benefit Council President (1989-1990)
- Child and Family Services Treasurer/Executive Committee (1985-1990)
- McClung Museum-U.T. Board of Advisors
- University of Tennessee Financial Institutions Center Board of Advisors
- Tennessee Banker’s Association, Trust Division Board of Directors and Past President
- Southern Trust School, Birmingham, AL Board of Trustees
- University of Tennessee Chancellor’s Associate
- Medic, Inc. Board of Directors
- University of Tennessee Finance Department, Advisory Council
- University of Tennessee College of Business, Dean’s Advisory Council
- Innovation Valley Partners, Board of Directors
Awards, Honors, Special Recognitions
- 2017 Knoxville Chamber James A. Haslam II Chairman’s Leadership Award
- 2017 Helen Ross McNabb Spirit Award
- 2012 Knoxville Chamber Pinnacle Award
- 2010 Ijams Nature Center Spirit Award
- 2010 Child & Family Services Award
- 2004 NCCJ Humanitarian Award
- 2000 Laureate Junior Achievement Business Hall of Fame
- 1991 Tribute to Women Award, business & government category
- 1989 Leadership Knoxville